It's no secret that everything is more costly than it used to be, and electricity costs are no different. And don't worry, you aren't the only one concerned about how much energy costs these days. A recent CNET survey found that 78% of American adults are concerned about rising energy costs. We might be working our way into the warmer months, but high heating expenses are still a worry for many.
The most effective way to cut costs is by using less energy -- easier said than done, right? Luckily, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency without major lifestyle changes. Small adjustments, like choosing the right light bulbs, kitchen tools, and smart thermostats, can make a noticeable difference.
Here are a few ways CNET editors reduce our energy usage around our homes.
The air fryer is one of those kitchen gadgets that comes packed with versatility. You can cook just about anything in an air fryer -- wings, steak, fries, fish, vegetables. You can even make tasty treats like smores and fried Oreos. And it gets better. Air fryers also use significantly less energy than many household ovens, so next time you're thinking about sticking frozen french fries in the oven, toss them in the air fryer instead. They'll taste better and you'll be saving on your energy bill.Â
"Air fryers use roughly 50% less energy than big ovens, cook faster and require almost no preheating. We did the math."
-David Watsky, senior editor
It's always handy to have at least one of these little guys in your home. These Wi-Fi-enabled plugs let you remotely control the device that's plugged into it. This is especially helpful to have around the holiday season. If you plug your lights into a smart plug, you can save yourself a trip outside in the freezing cold by turning your lights on and off from an app on your phone.Â
And if remembering to turn the lights on and off sounds like too much work, you can just set a schedule to automatically power devices on or off at specific times. Having things power down automatically also means saving on energy costs.Â
"Smart plugs aren't just a great way to remotely turn devices on and off, they can also save you money by limiting the energy pulled by 'vampire devices' and helping you monitor energy consumption. For a $10 upfront investment, you can save a lot more over the years."
-Ajay Kumar, energy editor
Switching to LED bulbs is one of the easiest ways to make your home more energy-efficient. LED bulbs are just better all around. They're brighter than incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, last longer and use less energy. The average residential LED bulb consumes only 8.5 watts, whereas the average residential fluorescent bulb uses 15.2 watts, and incandescent bulbs use a whopping 56.1 watts.Â
And if you have dimmer switches in your home, make sure you get bulbs that say they're dimmable on the box. "These bulbs can lower your electricity bill and are dimmable, which is perfect for people like me who hate to have the big light on at all times."Â
-Corin Cesaric, home & energy editor
Whether you're trekking outside in the snow or just lounging around the house, a pair of thick socks is a necessity. I live in the South, so snow is pretty much nonexistent here, but that doesn't mean we don't get cold winters. The first part of my body to go numb from the cold are my feet, and having a pair of thick socks to wear is a game changer, even when I'm just chilling on the couch. Wool socks are the best, as they're better at trapping in heat and insulating your body.Â
"The bulk of your energy bill in the winter comes from heating your home. You'll save money if you don't have to heat it as much. If you wear a nice, warm set of wool socks indoors, you'll be more comfortable with having the thermostat set a little lower. Darn Tough socks, my favorites, are made in Vermont and come with a lifetime guarantee."
-Jon Reed, senior editor
If you notice your gas or electric bill is particularly high during winter, it might be worth it to invest in a space heater, especially if you live in a small space. As the name implies, a space heater will heat a small area of your home versus heating your entire home. Placing a space heater in an area of your home that you frequent the most can save you more money than continuously heating areas of your home that you're not even using. And they don't have to be big and bulky.Â
There are also plenty of small tabletop space heaters that you can grab for as cheap as $20 that will use far less energy than some of the larger options. Just don't go too wild with your space heater placement. If you're going to put a space heater in multiple rooms, then you may as well just run your central heating system to warm up your entire home. Try and keep your space heater away from flammable surfaces, water and areas that kids and pets have access to.
"We calculated how much you can save on your yearly energy bills using a space heater for 8 hours a day." If you run it for 8 hours per day, you can expect to pay about $1.60 per day, or $48 per month, on average.Â
-David Watsky, senior editor
Energy saving FAQs
What runs up your electric bill the most?
Heating and cooling systems can account for as much as half of a home's energy consumption.
Does unplugging appliances save electricity?
Yes, unplugging appliances can save some electricity. Many devices consume phantom electricity even when they're not being actively used. This is especially true for devices like televisions that keep sipping power on standby mode. While the energy consumption isn't high, it can add up over time.